From left, New Leash on Life representatives Heather Gutknecht, Sue Coffaro and Kris Stimson hold dogs who are a part of the rescue effort at the Lakewood Dog Park. The New Leash on Life Benefit will be hosted at the Northwest Arena on June 16 at 4 p.m. P-J photos by Eric Zavinski

New Leash on Life has been a sanctuary for animals for years.

Ever since 2003, the nonprofit has been a legitimate organization, evolved from the desire of one woman to save the animals around her. Now, volunteers at New Leash on Life hope to start an annual fundraiser with the first ever New Leash on Life Benefit.

The benefit will be hosted at the Northwest Arena on Saturday starting at 4 p.m. It will feature basket raffles, an auction, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, cash bar, DJ for dancing and dinner. Admission is $10 for each adult and includes a ticket for a chance to win one of the door prizes.

“It’s nice to see the community come together,” Heather Gutknecht said.

Gutknecht said the rescue efforts of animals stems from Sue Coffaro who has rescued animals since she was young. Kris Stimson and her place of work at Lane Women’s Health Group sponsors the event.

“(Lane Women’s Health) saw the need and have come together to help,” Gutknecht said.

Proceeds from the benefit will pay for medications, medical expenses and supplies rescue animals need. A significant portion of these funds will also go toward spaying and neutering cats and dogs.

“All of the proceeds will go directly into the medical fund,” Gutknecht said.

Spaying and neutering animals is important because overpopulation can lead to the suffering of many dogs and cats without homes.

“If they’re not born, they can’t suffer,” Gutknecht said.

New Leash on Life has made strides in their presence online and offline. With about 30 pets at any one time, they are able to place about 150 animals per year. The group takes care of dogs, cats, lizards, birds, fish and more. They work with the Humane Society and Whiskers and Wishes to help save animals who may not be as adoptable for behavioral or medical reasons.

“It’s nice to watch these dogs come from such bad situations and see them blossom into beautiful, adoptable pets,” Gutknecht said.

With Gutknecht’s help as a photographer, New Leash on Life on Facebook has grown from 400 followers to more than 4,000 in a few years.

“With that fun came a little more awareness,” said Gutknecht, who recently captured portraits of dogs at Puppy Love Pet Grooming and shared the photos on their Facebook page.

Taking care of the rescue animals is a communal effort; Emily Haskins from Puppy Love grooms all of the dogs free of charge. And when animals reunite with Coffaro when adopters return, Gutknecht says, “They know who saved them; it’s Sue’s heart that started this.”

New Leash on Life relies on support from the community to function and save animals. One can follow New Leash on Life on Facebook.

The benefit’s dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., and its auction is scheduled to begin between 6:45-7 p.m. Those who attend will also have the opportunity to pay tribute to pets who may have passed.